Parks and Recreation: A Prescription for Mental Health

Images (L to R): Green Cay Nature Center boardwalk, Fitness Zone at Glades Pioneer Park, and Daggerwing Nature Center boardwalk

Maintaining good mental health is important to the health of our community. The stigma surrounding mental health disorders reduces an individual’s life expectancy and quality of life and increases the crisis that already exist. From increasing social and physical wellbeing to preventing chronic health diseases, treating mental health conditions provides many positive benefits.  

PBC Parks & Recreation Recognized as Outstanding Sports Contributor

In the photo: (L to R) Eric Call, former director of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department (2010-2022); Dennis Eshleman, former director of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department (1980-2010); Jennifer Cirillo, current director of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department; Steve Rockoff, 2023 chair of the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame Committee and Tony Lofaso, president of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.

On April 2, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission (Sports Commission) awarded the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department (PBC Parks) its first Sports Hall of Fame Outstanding Sports Contributor award for its contribution to transforming the Palm Beaches into a leading and diverse sports destination.

Volunteers are the Heart of PBC Parks!

Volunteers are the heart of the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department (PBC Parks). They supplement our existing workforce, help us reach our goals, engage with the community and raise awareness about our facilities, programs and services. In 2022, PBC Parks’ volunteers contributed over 130,000 hours at nature centers, recreation centers, golf courses, and beach and park cleanups and hosted more than 200 park and beach cleanups.

Volunteer Spotlight: Winnie Lo

Winnie has been a PBC Parks volunteer for the last five years, first volunteering at Green Cay Nature Center and then volunteering at Morikami Museum for the last two years. She is a “jack of all trades”! From day one, Winnie has been willing to assist and provide the Morikami with a wide variety of support several days each week. She serves as a greeter at both the main museum and the Yamato-kan and is always ready to help wherever needed.